UK ferries lose out to no-frills
The UK ferry market has been dealt a double blow by the general malaise affecting the travel industry and increased competition from no-frills flights.
In the first five months of 2003, the number of UK ferry passengers travelling to the continent was down 8% from the same period last year to under 7.5 million. This is according to IRN Research, which compiles ferry statistics on a monthly basis for FerryStat.
In a statement IRN Research said: “The UK-Continent routes are worst affected, declining by 8% over this period as ferry companies continue to lose share to tunnel and particularly low-cost air operators.”
The routes between the UK and Republic of Ireland are down less significantly, by 0.6% to 1.2 million in the same period. Domestically UK ferry travel is up marginally by 3.9% to 14.5 million passengers between January and May.
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel